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What were the social and economic problems facing Germany, 1920-1939, and how were they dealt with? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2015
Question 1
What were the social and economic problems facing Germany, 1920-1939, and how were they dealt with?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What were the social and economic problems facing Germany, 1920-1939, and how were they dealt with? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2015
Step 1
What were the social and economic problems facing Germany, 1920-1939?
Answer
Between 1920 and 1939, Germany faced significant social and economic problems, primarily stemming from the consequences of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. The reparations imposed on Germany led to severe economic strain, causing hyperinflation in the early 1920s, which destroyed savings and disrupted the economy. Unemployment surged, particularly during the Great Depression, with millions of Germans struggling to find work. Socially, the psychological and cultural impact of the war resulted in widespread discontent, leading to a sense of hopelessness among the populace. The Weimar Republic's instability also contributed to political extremism, further complicating social cohesion.
Step 2
How were they dealt with?
Answer
The German government implemented various policies to tackle these issues. In the short term, the introduction of the Rentenmark in 1923 stabilized the currency and helped combat hyperinflation. Economic recovery was also supported by the Dawes Plan of 1924, which restructured reparations payments and facilitated American loans to stimulate the economy. However, the onset of the Great Depression in 1929 led to increased unemployment and social unrest.
In response, the government shifted towards more radical solutions. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party capitalized on this discontent, promising economic recovery and national rejuvenation. Public works programs, such as the construction of the Autobahn, were initiated, significantly reducing unemployment rates by providing jobs and reviving the economy, albeit through militarization and preparation for war.